Archive copy by Jenni Baden Howard

I’m always late. I’m a chronic running-behinder, whose time management skills leave everything to be desired. I take the term ‘school run’ a little too literally - despite getting up at 6 ‘o’ clock each morning, I’m the one doing the playground sprint with my daughter just seconds before the doors close (and we live opposite the school). But not before I’ve swept on some bronzer and a pop of rosy blush, slicked on a lip gloss and tamed my morning tresses with a styling cream that transforms them from Crystal Tips-fluffy to (kind of) catwalk-smooth in seconds. This takes less than a minute, but makes me feel a lot more pulled-together during my 300 metre dash against the flow of sympathetic-looking parents returning in the opposite direction.
I rely on a similar ‘speed beauty’ strategy when getting ready for parties, which (surprise!) I always leave to the last minute. Somehow, the relaxing-bath-and-face-mask step never happens, and it was the same before I had children. So I’m ever-grateful to the brilliant make-up artists and hairdressers who, as a beauty writer, I’ve quizzed about scrubbing up well in the minimal time.

Ready, steady, glow ...

My glamour to-go ritual starts with my skin, which I want to look fresh, well-rested and glowing (not exactly a doddle in the depths of winter, especially if you throw a dash of sleep-deprivation, scary work deadlines or both into the bargain). Similarly, if you’re going straight to a party after work, achieving instant radiance is a tall order. However pushed for time I am, I have to get my face clean and I find that starting from scratch with a great base makes all the difference (a once-over with a cleansing wipe should do it). One of the best tips I’ve gleaned is to use the sheerest foundation that you can get away with. While a matte finish is often suggested for party make-up, I prefer to keep it light and luminous, steer clearing of all-over sparkle (too much) and shine (potentially greasy-looking). Plus, sheer bases are quicker to apply and a cinch to blend. I love Clinique’s Moisture Sheer Tint SPF 15 (£17) and sometimes add a touch of liquid bronzer on top, for an instant dose of healthy-looking colour with a hint of shimmer. Ruby & Millie’s Face and Body Metal (£10), available in Bronze, Rose Gold or Gold, is fantastic and can also be used to swiftly add a subtle shimmer to the shoulders, collarbone, décolleté, shins and even the tops of your feet (why look pasty in your party shoes?) Remember, your glow shouldn’t stop at your chin - avoid at your peril what one make-up artist refers to as a ‘newsreader tan’.

Colour-me-quick

For a fresh, modern look (and speed), I follow the pros’ advice and focus on either the eyes or lips -usually the latter, unless I’m swayed by something irresistible such as a gorgeous eyeshadow flecked with glitter, or a beautiful metallic liquid liner (I’m a sucker for a seasonal limited edition). Nevertheless, when your skin is glowing, keeping eye make-up to the bare minimum and applying a lip gloss in a stronger colour than you’d usually plump for - perhaps one shot through with some festive sparkle - can look clean, fresh and really effective. I never wear red lipstick, so No 7’s Liplicious Ultra Shiny Lip Gloss (£8) in Lollipop - a sheer, gleaming strawberry with a whisper of sparkle - instantly makes me feel ‘evening-y’ and party-ready, but not self-conscious. Lancome’s legendary Juicy Tubes must get a mention here, too. Lip gloss is quicker and easier all round, and you can just pop it in your bag or pocket for top-ups.
Quick-drying nail polishes are another boon for habitual running-behinders like me who don’t want to choose between will-anyone-really-notice-chipped and horribly late. You can truly do your toenails in a flash with No 7’s Speed Dry Nail Colour (£6), which comes in 10 great shades. I keep a stock on standby, and have used this just seconds before stepping out the door (toenails gleaming). Genius.

Change your locks

As it takes an hour for a skilled stylist with biceps of steel to coax my thick curls into sleek submission, I don’t even think about straightening it myself. Instead, I apply a curl-defining, frizz-busting styling cream - Charles Worthington’s fabulous Q&A Bounce Back Curl Defining Cream (£4.49), which I recommend to all curly girls - after shampooing and conditioning in the morning. I clip my hair back, leave it to dry naturally and let it down later for soft, manageable locks. A quick dash of styling wax adds party polish and keeps end-of-the-day-frizzies in check. Alternatively, I smooth it all back with a styling cream (my school run trick) and secure with a funky flower or glittery clip.

A final spritz of fragrance, and stop the clock! You shall go the party - and even make it before midnight - fairy Godmother not required.